“He?” Sewel frowned. Then his eyes found Duncan. He let go of my wrist.

I shot away and burst back onto the path. I had just enough time to sweep my gown and hat for leaves before Duncan rounded the bend.

He stopped sharply when he saw me, then rushed over. “I was growing worried. Where did you—” He tensed, reaching for the sword at his side. “Stand where you are, sir, and name yourself.”

I turned, going numb from my scalp to toes.

Sewel ambled over like an old cur. His head low. His eyes menacing. Not smiling as much as showing his teeth. “My name’s Sewel Tasker.” He bowed, the gesture slightly mocking. “Your humble servant, Lieutenant. I was just remarking to Miss Coates how coincidentious it is to see her here.”

Duncan spun to me. “You know this man?”

“I—yes. We met this winter at Judge Latimer’s.” It was the first thing that came to me—a terrible explanation. The judge would never brush elbows with the likes of Sewel.

“Right,” Sewel said, his wicked grin spreading. “This winter at the judge’s home.”

“How do you know the judge?” Duncan asked, still having none of it.

Sewel’s red eyes held on Duncan, unblinking.

“Mr. Tasker is actually connected with Asa Latimer,” I rushed to say. “He’s a ship’s carpenter. He did some repairs on the Endurance. He came to the judge’s house a few times over the winter to speak with Mr. Latimer, and that was how we met. As you know, we were living there for a few weeks.”

The suspicion eased from Duncan’s eyes.

“That’s right,” Sewel said. “I did some carpentering for Latimer. Made masts and spars for him and such.” He waggled his thick fingers in the air like he was imagining ship’s rigging. Then he leered at me, enjoying seeing me on a knife’s edge. “Well, I best leave you to your walking. Terrible good to see you again, Miss Coates. Lieutenant.” He bowed, and lumbered away.

I watched him go in stunned silence, trying to stop my legs from shaking.

Beside me, Duncan released a long breath. “I know you’re fond of the judge, but his nephew is a scoundrel who I’ve long suspected of the darkest dealings. Now I see my instincts were correct.” He looked at me. “I don’t wish to alarm you, but that man was a criminal.”

I gasped. “Are you certain?”

“I am. I saw a brand on his hand. You must never go near him again. Nor Asa Latimer.”

“I won’t! Not for anything!” An idea struck me suddenly. This chance meeting between Sewel and Duncan might be the best thing I could’ve hoped for. All I had to do was set a trap. “I can’t believe it,” I said. “Mr. Latimer always seemed a gentleman.”

“My dear, you know little of the evils in this world. People are not always what they seem.”

I widened my eyes in shock. Like I hadn’t exploited that very truth for years. “Now all I feel is relief. Mr. Tasker said he’s leaving for Long Island tonight. I’ll sleep better knowing he’s far away. But…how will he go? Won’t it be curfew soon?”